Phoenix OKs zoning changes for med marijuana

Phoenix has approved zoning changes that will regulate the location of medical marijuana dispensaries and where it can be grown.

Dispensaries in commercial strip malls and other retail centers will have to be at least 250 feet away from residential neighborhoods and can’t be larger than 2,000 square feet.

Medical marijuana facilities also will be required to obtain use permits from Phoenix before operating in the city.

The Arizona Republic says the Phoenix City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to support the changes.

Phoenix adopted the regulations in response to the November passage of Proposition 203, which makes it legal for doctors to prescribe medical marijuana to certain patients. The law will allow about 120 dispensaries to open in Arizona.